Super-Quick Review: Amazon.Com Does It Again. HP Envy 17 Inch Received One Day Early.

Boo-Yoww!

Now, I've heard a few legitimate horror-stories about Amazon.com (a few), and I've had my OWN bad experience with Amazon once after several good orders I placed with them. But, overall, Amazon is still a great source for online shopping. Ninety percent of the time, they'll do you right.

And, the other 10% of the time.... well, I really can't  complain, because my "bad experience" wasn't much to rant or rave about.

In fact, I inflicted this heinous crime on my Self for not paying attention to what I was doing, so I can't point the finger at anybody. Hell, even I admit that what I did was dumb.

Somehow, I overpaid on Amazon shipping.... Somehow, I paid double for shipping the products I wanted.

I know what you're thinking: "How in the hell did I do that???" 

Instead of putting all of the orders on one ticket (skin care products, dog food, electronic accessories), I put them on separate tickets. I was mad that Amazon didn't catch this and help me out, but I didn't realize what had happened until after I saw my bank account.

I said, "Damn!"

And, to be totally honest... I did this twice. lol...

Well, I was a "rookie".

It could've happened to almost anyone - especially a newbie. But, other than that confusing moment, all of my Amazon experiences have been superb. So, I STILL support and recommend Amazon.com for buying anything online - especially over Best Buy.

Anyway... Let's talk about my new PC.

I ordered my HP Envy the other day and was expecting to see it Tuesday after I got off of work at 11:00PM, but I got a shock when I got home.

I know you know what happened, but let me tell you the story anyway.

All day - without me even initiating the conversation - people were telling about the new computers they'd bought for themselves or their children with their tax refund money. Four-hundred bucks here; Six-hundred bucks there. Some of them found deals in pawn shops. Blah, blah, blah... 

One of my co-workers even mentioned to me that he recently BUILT a high-powered computer from scratch.

I was like: "What in the hell is going on??? WHY is everybody so interested in talking about computers today?"

I knew the Devil was messin' with me, because deep down, I was kind of worried about that computer - and the "demons" (the problems) that were to come.

I was already anxious to take that HP Envy for a test-drive, but after a while, I was getting obsessed with the thought of just seeing what I really bought.

I was like: "damn... Why didn't I spend the few extra bucks and have the thing shipped on Monday?" 

In hindsight, I know that it made more sense to have it shipped to me on Monday - especially since I was getting off at 1PM on Monday and 11PM on Tuesday - but, during the shopping and ordering process, I was trying to control my eagerness. I didn't want to overlook anything on the specifications, and I didn't want to get TOO excited about the Envy, and then feel the emotional pain of disappointment and regret later (because of Windows 8 and the touchscreen).

I've read so many negative reviews about Windows 8 that I was afraid I'd be stuck with yet ANOTHER crappy computer.

So, although I was thrilled about getting the Envy, I had mixed feelings about my overall decision.

But, again, I received a Blessin'.

Right now, I'm happy as hell...

I KNOW The Cyber-Gods have my back (because I was mostly worried about my new computer sitting alone out there in the open, on the porch, in the cold, and in the dark for six hours, until I got home), but lo and behold, just as I was about to turn my bike onto the driveway, I noticed that big brown Amazon box standing there on the porch behind the black handrails like a little two-year-old kid smiling at me.

I kept my cool like I didn't even see it. But, I can't lie. I was giddy as hell. I couldn't help but smile as I parked my ride.

I said, "Oooh hell... Now, I get the chance to test that bad-boy out."

Those people at Amazon.com always surprise me. I never expect to get my shipments earlier than the delivery date. But, sometimes it happens. 

But, the main thing is: Whenever I order something, it's always on time, and everything is all right.

I don't get any half-opened packages, damaged packages, products I didn't order, or products that don't work. Everything is always cool.

So, when I place an order, I'm confident that everything is gonna be All Good... (90/10 Rule)... That's how I feel about Amazon.

I still haven't used the computer yet, but I created an un-boxing video with my Kodak Playsport. 

Unfortunately, I loaded the video onto this Toshiba Satellite. So, it may take a while to render a high-quality video.

And, what's even worse than that is: I haven't got started yet, so it might be a while before I publish anything.

Or, maybe...

I could use the HP, and then, load the video onto THAT computer to test it's capabilities - AND to render the final video......

(mmmmm... that sounds like a good plan....)

Anyway...

I know a lot of people are apprehensive about ordering stuff online, but that's because they think they'll get cheated out of their money, or they're not sure about how quickly they'll get satisfaction if they have a problem.

Yeah, it's easier and faster to go back to the store and cuss someone out if you have a problem. And, you'll be able to get a refund quicker if you're not happy with your purchase. But, if you see a good deal online for a high quality product promoted by a major company like Amazon, why not save yourself some cash and get the bargain? Hell, I know people at work who are Amazon.com Addicts. And, some who complain that their wives are Amazon.com Addicts. They love it. And, you KNOW that most women know the best places to shop.... And, a lot of them shop online at Amazon.

Hell, some people love Amazon.com more than they love The Home Shopping Networks!

I'm saying this and I'm not even an affiliate. I don't get any kickbacks or compensation from Amazon. I'm a regular shopper too.

I'm telling you this because it's the first time I've ever spent a thousand dollars in one whop on anything... And, I don't feel I've made a bad decision for doing it. Go Amazon.

- PC Power Junkie

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For the record: although I've had a few bad experiences with Best Buy, I know they can't be all bad and that they have their fans as well. What you really have to do is shop, learn, and compare online stores regularly to see what you've got to work with out there. I'll probably go back to Best Buy in the future, but I've had too many bad experiences to feel comfortable about going back to them right now.

Let me take this moment to say "Damn Best Buy" and "Damn Toshiba"...

My Toshiba Satellite is out of commission Again!

In fact, it's laying over there in my "dirty clothes" basket as I'm blogging...

Don't even ask me what the problem with it is. All I can say is "piss on that piece of crap" for right now. I don't have time to fool with it. I have a four-day weekend and I have to kill weeds and grass, fight and exterminate cockroaches, clean my room, and figure out a way to make a million dollars so I won't have to go back to work on Wednesday. So, Piss On That PC.

Anyway...

I've been on a quest to find a newer better laptop. But, I'll talk about that later. Right now, check out these tips and tricks (if you don't already know about them) and relieve yourself of some undue stress.

If you're already using these "basic tricks" to improve the performance of your computer, then just hold tight and stay tuned for the next post: "Checkin' Out The Computers And Hot Booty In WalMart".

And, did I mention that I upgraded the RAM in this little Aspire One? If I haven't, that's something else we'll have to discuss. I'm feeling good about it.

And, if You haven't upgraded yet, do it. If nothing else, it will stop that aggravating "low on virtual memory" bubble and give you piece of mind. You'll be glad you did and the Great Cyber Gods will bless you for doing it.

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How To Speed Up Windows 7 (Tips and Tricks)

(If you don't see the video, click on this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMIr_-daxAs&feature=related )



Video provided by - technologycrazy

If Your Mojo Is Too Slow, Get Some Ram Air-Flow!

When I bought my Toshiba Satellite, I also purchased that "Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3" software package that included the USB to RCA adapter because I have a hundred pounds worth of VHS tapes that need to be converted to DVD or flash. Really, I need to get rid of that crap, but I just can't bring myself to throw those old movies out.

Anyway...


So, I purchased the Roxio software and attempted to install it on the Toshiba. It took more than thirty minutes to get the software to install. Then, after three attempts (and after it finally installed), the program wouldn't do anything. Wouldn't load. No logo. Nothing.

Then, after a little more than an hour, it started working. But, the video on the computer screen kept "freezing" and going blank although the VCR tape kept playing.

I never got pissed because I had hopes and KNEW I would eventually get the software to work. And I didn't expect much of the Toshiba anyway since I knew it had the bottom line processor in it. But, later, I realized I had just wasted two hours of my life screwing around with that crappy computer when I could've been doing something more productive.

And, the software still doesn't work 100%. It still "freezes" sometimes.


And, I've read the reviews on the Roxio and according to half the people that have used it, the program sucks like hell, so I'm not fully blaming the Toshiba. But, that laptop still just isn't fast enough.


And, it doesn't handle multitasking much better than my old Dell Latitude. That old Dell Latitude loads apps and webpages just as fast. AND, I can have a multitude of programs open and multitask without any drama.

I can watch a movie, type, have my Internet connected, have Microsoft Word open, have my notepad open, use Microsoft Paint, and download two or three movies as I'm watching a movie. And, I can still step into the kitchen to cook a light meal without worrying about my system crashing.


When I try that with the Toshiba, I get "jet-lag" and pop-ups telling warning me of high CPU usage. It's not as bad as the Acer - which constantly warns me of "low virtual memory" - but it's still pitiful. I don't like pop-ups and I don't like opening and closing programs. I like instant access. So I keep a lot of programs open. When an idea or interest hits me, I want to be able to use the app immediately. I don't want to click and wait for it to load. So, this Toshiba is starting to piss me off.

But! Could more RAM be the answer to my prayers?

I went online to Amazon.com last Wednesday and ordered some more RAM since the Toshiba is expandable from 4 GBs of memory up to 8 GBs, and the postman delivered it today (on Monday). I ordered the after-market brand, Kingston, but the reviews were good, and so was the price. Wal-Mart couldn't even beat the price - $74.00 versus $28.00.


I ordered Ram earlier from Amazon.but it was the wrong module. It was my fault because I read the description wrong. So, I had to go back to Amazon.com, re-order, and wait a few more days.

But, I'm in business now, baby...

Product Description: Kingston Technology 4 GB Module 1333MHz DDR3 PC3-10600 204-Pin SODIMM


Part Number: KTT - S3B/4G (Toshiba Part Number: PA3918U-1M4G)

................................................................................................ 

And, I'm gonna install that Ram Power tonight! 


The same day I bought the Toshiba I went on Toshibadirect.com and matched the Ram module replacements I needed, and the description of what that Ram could do had me hooked! After reading the first few lines of benefits, my mouth was watering like hell to get my hands on that Ram memory. I was sold.


And, if this upgrade does what Toshiba Direct claims it will do, I'm definitely gonna give my Acer netbook a power boost.

And, I'm gonna make a "Before and After" video and possibly post it so be on the look-out for that. Hell, you might want to get you some more Ram yourself after you see the horsepower I'm about to bring to the table.

...........................................................................................


Product Description From the Toshiba Direct website:

Adding more RAM memory to your computer will give you a significant gain in system performance, quicker boot-up and the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. When you need to increase your RAM memory, get the same Toshiba memory modules that were installed in your computer. Toshiba memory is designed and tested to ensure optimal compatibility with Toshiba laptop and All-in-One computers.
Based upon your needs and the types of applications you use on your computer, including the configuration of your devices and peripherals, the amount of memory needed will vary. The more power you expect from your computer the more memory you'll need. Installing the maximum amount of memory in the slots will give you the best overall system performance. If you have an older computer, adding some RAM memory can help lengthen the life of your computer before replacing it with a new one.
Features:

• Increase your computer's performance with extra memory
• The same modules installed in your computer at the factory
• More memory can actually increase your battery life
• Allows more multitasking which saves time and hassle
• Custom designed for your specific Toshiba laptop and All-in-One model
• Toshiba tested, guaranteed 100% system compatibility and reliability
• Backed by a limited warranty with renowned Service and Support from Toshiba
• Adding more memory is one of the least expensive ways to help boost overall system performance

Specifications:

• Maximum data transfer rate of up to 10667 MB/sec (Max.*)
• Memory clock: 166MHz
• Cycle time: 6 ns
• I/O Bus clock: 667MHz
• Data rate: 1333MT/s
• Module name: PC3-10600
• Peak transfer rate: 10667 MB/sec
• Dimensions and weight: 2.67” x 1.26” x 0.12”; 8 grams
• One year standard limited warranty

Notes:

*Data transfer rates vary and are often less than the maximum possible.
**DDR3 modules are compatible when mixed with lower speed DDR3 modules, but will default to the lower speed.

Review - My Latest Best Buy Computer Purchase

Best Buy: Overall Rating (***)

Best Buy Midtown: Customer Service (***)

Best Buy Midtown: Customer Appreciation/ Return of Defects (*)

I must be a glutton for punishment or have a "love-hate relationship" with the Best Buy located in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, because every time I go in  there to purchase a computer, I run into some type of drama.

Recently, I went online to find some deals because I was in the market for a full-size computer with more RAM and storage than my Acer netbook because I'm planning to make videos and I want to copy some old VHS home movies to DVD. And, of course, Best Buy advertised a good selection and good prices. But, when I got there, they had none of the computers advertised in stock. Not a single one. That was my fault because I should've checked the availability online. But, it worked out well because those computers didn't have the power I needed anyway - according to the saleslady.

I told her what I planned to use the computer for and she told me I needed something with more RAM power and a better processor (4 Gigs of Ram; Dual Core; etc.) or I'd be wasting a lot of time watching the computer instead of using it. And, she enlightened me to benefits of having a computer that could handle multitasking better so that I could still enjoy listening to my music, surfing the Web, and using a few other programs while the videos and pictures loaded. She also told me about upgrading and improving the performance of the computer later on if I decided I needed more power without having to buy a whole new computer. Her presentation was really good and convinced me to spend almost $200 more than I planned. I couldn't afford the extended warranties or service plans after that though.

So, anyway, I bought a Hewlett Packard Pavilion g7 with an A6 Quad Core processor, Radeon graphics, 4 Gigabytes of RAM, and 500 gigs of memory. She tried to sell me a Samsung that was on display with similar qualities except it had i3 Intel processor, but I'd have to return 3 or 4 days later to get it. I didn't want to travel back and forth up the road for a computer so I went with the HP. It cost a little more but, it was a nice looking computer and it could do the job.

Well, I got the thing home and the DVD player didn't work. I could hear it trying to read every disk put int there but none of them would play. It would spin for a while then stop completely.

Plus, I turned the volume up to the max and the speakers sounded like crap - popping and crackling. It didn't sound like that in the store. I was disappointed as hell, but I couldn't return the piece of junk right away because I don't have a car and it would have taken me an hour or so to get back to the store. That was a chore in itself. Plus, I had other obligations and errands to take care of so I'd have to wait a week to get back down to Best Buy anyway.

I still had hopes of saving the poor HP Pavilion and went online to see if there was a way to correct the problem with the DVD but no type of tricks or troubleshooting worked, so finally, I said the hell with it and started re-packaging everything.



Later on, as I looked over the material in the box that the Pavilion g7 came in, I noticed that there was a pink tag taped to the plastic bag that the computer came in. It was a "defect / repair" ticket. I don't know what the issue was because the notes were written in Chinese. So, there was something wrong with the computer straight from the manufacturer - before they even put it in the box! This ticked me off a little bit but just as I was about to power the computer completely off, it started installing updates. I waited and hoped the updates would fix the DVD drive issue. The speakers sucked but I could live with it. But, it still didn't matter. The updates had no effect on the DVD drive. It was still struggling to read the "Dear John" movie I put in it.

After several days, being stuck in the same house with that "lemon" started to get to me and I had to do something. I couldn't wait a week to take it back, so I paid a taxi $20 to take me to Best Buy for a replacement. And, I'd have to pay $20 to get back. So, now the computer cost me $40 extra.

When I got there, a lady (customer service rep or cashier) took my receipt and took the computer in the back to test it. Then she came back and began the process to give me a refund but I told her "I didn't want a refund", I needed a computer and would shop around for a replacement. She didn't even ask me if I wanted to exchange it or anything. Just started ringing up the refund.

Anyway, while I was looking around, another sales associate came to assist me. The lady that sold me the HP Pavilion was busy with another customer. This guy was fairly knowledgeable, but I already made up my mind to get the same kind of computer anyway. That HP Pavilion had terrible speakers but it was fast and it looked sharped. Plus, it fit inside my computer bag almost perfectly. I must admit, I was proud to own it.

But, I was disappointed again...

They didn't have another in stock. Not even a display model. But, they had a "comparable" Toshiba Satellite L775 on the shelf. Only ONE... And, it had that "Geek Squad" crap on it. They deleted all of the ads and pop-ups and made a restore disk and it was gonna cost me $99.00 extra. There was NO OTHER computer in the whole damn store - in my price range or with the same qualities as the HP - except this ONE lonely-ass Toshiba with this Geek Squad crap on it and that same damn Samsung that was sitting on the shelf from a few days ago. And, it was Memorial Weekend!

I know we're supposed to honor the Vets and men and women in uniform, but these corporations thrive on these "holidays". Hell, they can't wait to advertise the goodies they have in their stores so they can suck out those last remaining dollars you have in your pockets. But, not this store! They didn't have jack-shit on the shelves and when I asked why since I knew they advertised a Memorial Day Sale, the salesguy replied, "Well, we only have one thing on sale anyway."

lol... What the hell???

I couldn't do anything but chuckle at the stupidity of the situation and asked him to turn up the volume on the Toshiba display model. It sounded pretty good. No popping and crackling noises. Then, I asked about the RAM and the Hard Drive Memory. He said it was all the same and that the Toshiba was just as good as the HP Pavilion.

I was disappointed that I couldn't get another HP but I thought I'd give the Toshiba a try. And, I wasn't about to pay $99.00 for that Geek Squad crap either. I asked him who was the manager on duty. He told me her name and where she was then walked off. No "Thank You", no "See you later", no "Hope you enjoy the computer", or anything. Just walked right off. I walked off too - straight towards the manager.

I told her that I was replacing a defective HP Pavilion with the new Toshiba but that I didn't want to pay 99 bucks for the whatever the Geek Squad did to it. She told me there was nothing she could do about it and I had to pay it.

Then, I went into my sob story about how I originally came in for a $299 computer and they didn't have any in stock and how the saleslady convinced me to purchase a computer that cost almost $500 and how I got it home and it didn't work and then I had to pay a taxi 20 bucks just to get back there and how I was losing sleep because I worked 3rd shift and how I was gonna have to pay another taxi 20 bucks to get back home and how they didn't have any more computers in my price range on the shelves (including no more HP Pavilions) and how shocked I was that it was Memorial Weekend and they had nothing in stock and she had the gall to look me in the eye and say... "Well, we don't make the computers." lol.... What the hell???

It was just ridiculous. I was shocked but I couldn't do anything but laugh on the inside.

I said, "So, you mean to tell me that you're okay with selling defective products?"

Then, she started telling me that the Geek Squad had to get paid for the work that they do on the computers and blah, blah, blah... I don't know what she was saying.

Then, some guy - one of those damn geeks - asked me to follow him back over to the area where I picked the HP and the Toshiba. He didn't have on a name tag, but he had on a necktie so I knew he was a geek. I guess he had to see for himself that there was nothing over there. Then, he tried to get me to take the Samsung and come back in a few days to pick it up. I said, "no, I can't do that. It already cost me $20 to get here and I'll have to pay $20 to get back home. I don't want to spend any more time and money on this."

He said, "Okay, that's no problem. We can take the Samsung in the back and prep it and have it ready for you within three hours."

I was starting to get perturbed because I knew he was trying to con me out of the Toshiba and give me the run-around about the $99.00 charge that he probably tacked on himself. Hell, he could've kept the restore disk. I've never used one.

Anyway, I go into my sob story again. He listens. But, again, he's telling me that I'm gonna have to pay the extra fee if I get the Toshiba. Then, he walks away and says he'll get someone to check to see if another store has the Toshiba. Now, after all I've went through and paid 40 extra dollars, he's still trying to send me out the door to another store - just so that he won't lose this "battle".

Fine. He doesn't make the ultimate decisions anyway, so he's no longer a factor in negotiations.

I went back to the manager on duty and looked her dead in the eye and said, "Okay. I'll pay the $99.00 extra, and I need the name and phone number of your District Manager."

Now, I don't like dealing with district managers because they don't know all the crap the managers and sales associates have to put up with in an under-staffed store. And, some of them don't care. They make one lap around the store in 15 or 20 minutes, give the manager a bunch of chores and tasks to complete with little help and time, make silly changes, and then, they ride off into the sunset. So, I don't like to complain too much because I know what some of these people are going through. And, she looked stressed out enough with a customer that was standing in front of her.

But, I wasn't about to let her or that damn geek screw me over that day.

She said, "Give it to him at the regular price."

It was fair and the right thing to do and I thanked her.

And, that damn geek STILL tried to put that $99.00 charge on me!

He started ringing me up and told me hated the fact that I'd have to pay the $99 but that it was worth it for what they'd done.

She said, "Oh, NO HE'S NOT!"

He was so shocked his eyeballs almost jumped out of his damn head when he turned to her - like: "WHAT???"

You heard the lady. Take that charge off of there, Asshole...

All of that only took about 30 minutes but the worst part of the story is: I went through all of that drama and the Toshiba Satellite L775 s7112 sucks like hell. That Best Buy sales guy didn't know what the hell he was talking about.

Yeah, I'm getting 4 gigs of RAM and 500 gigs of Memory, but the Toshiba has an A4 Dual Core processor with the lowest clock speed available versus the A6 Quad Core processor that the HP Pavilion had. In fact, the processor in this Toshiba is the "bottom line" processor that comes in this laptop. And, I can definitely tell a difference in the graphics and in the download speed. So, I ended up getting screwed by Best Buy anyway.

I said the hell with it. I give up.

Man, I'll tell you, I can't win for losing.... lol. C'est la vie.

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Recommendations:

1. Before you go to Best Buy, research online to see what kind of reviews the store you plan to visit has.

2. Make sure you know (or have some idea of) what you want BEFORE you go in. Don't completely rely on the salespeople.

3. Check the availability of several products (other options) you might be interested in just in case the online count is wrong and just in case they only have that Geek Squad crap in there and you decide on something else.

4. If you can go somewhere else and get what you want, that might be your best option.